Popular Science Names Gregory Escape Packs Among Best

November 29, 2006

TEMECULA, Calif. – What do the world’s first single-engine private business jet, the largest geothermal housing complex ever built and Gregory’s new Escape series backpacks have in common? All were chosen by Popular Science as 2006 winners of the magazine’s "Best of What’s New" award, denoting the best technological innovations of the year. Gregory Packs won its award in the recreation division for its new Response Suspension system.

“I didn’t think any backpack could ever fit me comfortably until I strapped on an Escape series pack,” wrote Tom Clynes, who tested an Escape Baltoro pack for Popular Science. “Within the first half-mile of my hike in Vermont’s Green Mountains, I was eagerly cramming my partners’ loads into my bag. The secret is Gregory’s Response Suspension System, which incorporates auto-adjusting shoulder straps and an independently pivoting hip belt that allow body and pack to move autonomously.

“Unlocked from my swaying skeleton, the load stayed balanced, shifting with me instead of fighting me – and leaving me with energy to spare to the end of the day,” he wrote.

The Response Suspension’s design also allows the wearer to adjust on the fly how much the load moves independently of their body so it can be tailored for different hiking situations – on trail versus off trail.